How to pronounce duly
Say it like DOO-lee. Duly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce duly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DOO
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Duly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of duly
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: DYOO-lee.
What does duly mean?
- In a due, fit, or becoming manner; as it ought to be; suitably; properly.“The citizen's concern was duly noted in the meeting minutes.”
- Regularly; at the proper time.
Where does duly come from?
From Middle English duely, dewly, dulyche, dueliche, duweliche (“rightly, properly”), equivalent to due + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with duly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of duly.
Questions about saying duly
How do you pronounce duly?
Say DOO-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈduli/. In British English it is /ˈdjuːli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in duly?
Duly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOO). Broken into parts: DOO · lee.
Is duly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈdjuːli/ (DYOO-lee).